Mercy Family Birth Center Pregnancy and Parenting Programs

Call 712-279-2989 to register for classes or register on-line.

Before you become pregnant….

The Decision to Start a Family

The best time to start preparing for pregnancy is before you become pregnant. Learn more by clicking here.

Six months and counting...

Childbirth Education Series
Series 1: July 7, 14
Series 2:  November 10, 17
6:30 to 9:30 p.m., Mondays
Room 300, Central Medical Building
A two-class series taught by certified childbirth educators to prepare expectant mothers and their labor coach for the baby's arrival. Topics include breathing and relaxation techniques, labor and pain management, birth procedures, newborn/postpartum care, newborn characteristics, role of the support person and unexpected outcomes. A tour of Mercy's Family Birth Center is included. You will receive several complimentary items and samples. Please bring a blanket and two pillows to practice relaxation and breathing activities.
>> Register on-line
 
Childbirth Education – Fast Track
Saturdays, June 21, July 19, August 16, September 13
9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Leiter Room
An all-day Saturday class taught by certified childbirth educators offered to expectant mothers and their labor coaches as preparation for the baby’s arrival. A condensed version of the topics covered on Monday nights will be included as well as a tour of Mercy's Family Birth Center. You will receive complimentary items and samples. Please bring a blanket, two pillows, and money for lunch from the cafeteria.
>> Register on-line
 
Refresher Class
An at-home review class for expectant couples who have previously attended a childbirth education class. Receive updated information on labor management and support, breathing and relaxation techniques and sibling adjustment. Call 712-279-2989 for more information

Classes to help you learn all about baby...

The ABCs of Newborn Care
Thursdays, May 15, July 17, September 25
6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursdays
Room 300, Central Medical Building
Learn to develop and build the confidence needed to become new parents. Information covered includes infant positioning and SIDS prevention, infant feeding options, bathing and diapering your infant, signs of illness, physical and mental development of the newborn, infant communication and infant massage with hands-on training. You will receive complimentary items and samples.
>> Register on-line
 
Breastfeeding Class
Thursdays, July 10, September 11
6:30 to 8:30 pm. Thursdays
Room 300, Central Medical Building
Although breastfeeding is a natural process, it is also a learned art. Join a certified lactation consultant and discover the benefits of breastfeeding, the lactation process and how to maintain your milk supply. Expectant fathers and support persons are encouraged to attend.
>> Register on-line
 
New Moms Support Group
First Friday of every month
11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Room 300, Central Medical Building
Obtain support and education from a certified lactation consultant, a licensed counselor and new mothers in a relaxed, comfortable environment. Share your feelings and experiences on the joys and challenges of motherhood, including assistance with breastfeeding, postpartum blues and answers to your questions from experienced mothers.

Infant/Child Safety & CPR
Tuesdays, June 24, August 26
6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Room 300, Central Medical Building
Parents are often the first people available to react to a child's emergency. Learn to feel safe and secure in this situation from an instructor certified by the American Heart Association. Also, learn safety tips for infants and children, information on how to baby-proof your home and infant car seat safety.
Cost is $5.00 per couple. Registration is required.
>> Register on-line
 
Childcare Choices (in conjunction with Mid-Sioux Opportunity, Inc.)
Are you having a difficult time choosing quality child care? Contact Mercy Medical Center at 712-279-2989 for an informational packet to be mailed to your home.

Programs for the whole family...

Boot Camp for New Dads
Saturdays, June 21, July 19, August 16, September 13
12:30 to 2:30 p.m. in conjunction with the Family Start Smart-Fast Track
Meet in the Leiter Room
This unique, hands-on workshop is taught by veteran dads to prepare soon-to-be or new dads for the joys and challenges of parenthood. Discussion topics include balancing work hours with time spent with baby and mother, communication – forming a parent team, safety, support for the new mom and "Trouble Shooters" guide for crying babies. Veteran dads also will demonstrate burping, diapering, swaddling and holding the infant. Registration is required.
Visit the web site for new dads at www.newdads.com.
>> Register on-line
 
Grandparenting Class
Times have changed! Learn current childbirth practices, recent infant care essentials, changing roles of grandparents and the rewards and challenges of grandparenting. Click here for an on-line version of this course. Receive a free gift!

Sibling Class
Tuesdays, June 10, August 12
6:30 - 7:30 pm
Room 300, Central Medical Building
A fun class for children ages 3 to 8 to prepare them to become the best big brother or sister they can be. The program includes how to hold the baby, video presentation on becoming a big brother or big sister, photograph of the big brother or big sister, snacks, a tour of Mercy Family Birth Center and a free T-shirt. Parents stay with their child during the class. Registration is required.
>> Register on-line
 
BabySign Parent™ Workshop
Tuesday, June 24
6:30 – 8:30 pm
Leiter Room
This program teaches babies to use simple gestures for communicating with their parents and caregivers long before they have mastered their speaking skills. For those who care for children younger than age 2. Prepayment of $40 per couple includes an extensive BabySign kit to continue the learning at home.
 
Move to the Musik!
Classes begin on Wednesday, June 4 for 9 weeks (Purchase 8 weeks and get one FREE!) Dates will be June 4, 11, 18 and 25; July 16, 23, 30; August 6, 13.
A certified, licensed Musikgarten instructor will share fun and learning with children and their caregivers through singing, dancing, focused listening, chanting and playing simple instruments to enrich their development. For children ages birth to 5 years.

• Move to the Musik for Babies (birth – 12 months) 5:30 – 6:15 pm. Class fee: $56. Home Kit: $38.
• Move to the Musik for family with Nature’s Music (1 ½ years – pre-K) 6:30 – 7:15 pm. Class fee: $64. Home kit = $25
• Move to the Musik for Family with Cycle of Seasons – Summer (2 ½ - 5 years) 10:30 – 11:15 am. Class fee: $64. Home kit=$28.

Sign, Say and Play™ Class
Six-week sessions begin July 9 & 10
This class is designed for parents and their babies ages 6 months to 2 ½ years old. A certified BabySigns instructor will build upon activities to stimulate your baby’s development by using fun songs, books and activities. Classes encourage babies to learn to communicate through simple, baby-friendly sign language in a playful environment. For those who care for children ages 6 months to 2 ½ years. Kit Cost: $55. Registration & Class cost:$60 per couple. Includes an extensive Bee Bo’s Play Pack to continue the learning at home.
Day sessions run from 12:00 – 1:00 pm on Wednesdays and from 6:00 – 7:00 pm on Thursdays.

Parenting Class (Light A Child's Life)
Daytime, evening and all-day Saturday classes available for parents of all aged children, including toddlers, teens and those with ADHD. Information provided on family relationships, communication, parenting styles, discipline and developmental stages. Spanish classes also available. For more information and to register, click here or call 712-279-2373.